March Update, 2025 (Squarespace Edition)
Hi Friend,
It may seem like we wrapped up our legislative session just a few days ago, but it is time for us to return to Richmond for the reconvene session. As I explain below, the reconvene session, often referred to as the veto session, is our opportunity to review and act on the Governor's vetoes and amendments to our bills and budget items. I heard this morning that Governor Youngkin's veto count for his term has shattered the record for the most vetoes by any governor - he is sitting at 399 vetoes. While my bills survived this session unscathed (see below), the Governor did veto many critically important measures, including protections for access to contraceptives, an assault weapons ban, and an increase in the minimum wage. Killing these bills takes Virginia several giant steps backwards at a time when our state is the "last one standing" in the south to protect fundamental rights.
Recognizing that we are unlikely to be able to override the Governor's vetoes given the two-thirds majority vote requirement, these bills will die this session. I am committed, however, to running for reelection and, if reelected, championing these bills and others, including environmental protections and health care access measures.
As we have seen in other states and now coming out of Washington, basic human rights are being trampled through laws, regulations, and executive orders that do not reflect the values of the majority of Americans. I remain hopeful that Virginia can counter this degradation of rights and preserve our health, economic well-being, and freedom.
As always, If you have any questions or need assistance with a state agency, please contact my office at DelRWillett@house.virginia.gov or phone at 804-698-1073, and my expert staff will be happy to assist you. I also will continue to keep you informed with relevant, accurate information via X/Twitter, Facebook, and my website. Please stay well and stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Legislation Updates
I am incredibly excited to share that out of my 12 bills that passed the General Assembly, all 12 have been signed by the Governor! This wasn't a singular effort, this took work from stakeholders, advocates, and the voices of supporters like you to get these bills over the finish line.
I’m proud to have championed progress in strengthening our healthcare workforce, preserving our environment, and investing in our communities.
HB1896: Real Property Tax; Exemption by Classification
HB1899: Dental Faculty Licenses for Foreign Graduates
HB1895: Involuntary Temporary Detention Orders; Psychiatric Emergency Department
HB1897: Master's Social Worker Scope of Practice
HB1898: Optometry TPA-Formulary Dissolution
HB1900: Medicaid Coverage for Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing
HB1901: Virginia Sports Tourism Fund
HB1902: Opioid Overdose Data in Prescription Monitoring Program
HB1904: Expanded Nursery Service Coverage
HB1905: Distribution of Compounded Drugs
Upcoming Reconvene Session
The General Assembly will reconvene on April 2nd to review the Governor's vetoes and amendments to bills and the budget that were sent to him at the end of the legislative session in February.
The Governor has four options when considering legislation:
Sign the bill into law – The bill becomes law on July 1st unless otherwise stated in the legislation.
Veto the bill – The House and Senate can attempt to override the veto during the reconvened session with a two thirds majority vote. If successful, the bill becomes law; if not, the bill is dead.
Amend the bill – The General Assembly can approve or reject some or all of the Governor's amendments. If approved, the amended bill becomes law. If rejected, the Governor can either sign the original bill or veto it, but the General Assembly cannot override a veto at this stage.
Take no action – The bill automatically becomes law on July 1st unless otherwise stated in the legislation.
During the 2025 General Assembly session, 916 bills were sent to the Governor. Of these, he signed 599 bills, amended 159 bills, and vetoed 157 bills. He also returned the budget bill (HB 1600) with 205 amendments and eight item vetoes.
At the reconvened session, the General Assembly will review these vetoes and amendments. I will provide an update on the outcomes next week.
If you would like to review the Governor's actions, you can do so on LIS HERE.
ICYMI: News Around Henrico
A shift to pay for performance pays off for Virginia economic development (Richmond Times Dispatch)
‘Liam’s Law’ to protect trees heads to governor (Henrico Citizen)
Study finds critical barriers to mental health care for Greater Richmond’s Latinos (VPM News)
Spike in demand for free clinics means longer waitlists, cutbacks (VPM News)
A fight over the budget could take center stage in the upcoming reconvene session (Cardinal News)
Youngkin vetoes minimum wage hike, prescription affordability board bills (Virginia Mercury)
A new state law could help nurse midwives alleviate Virginia’s maternity care shortages. Will hospitals resist the change? (Cardinal News article on my bill, HB1904!)
Campaign Updates
I am officially running for reelection in Virginia House District 58! Serving Henrico for the past six years has been an incredible honor, and I remain committed to fighting for our community in the General Assembly.
The road to November may seem long, but 2025 is moving fast—especially with the nonstop headlines from Washington. Every day, we see new attacks on common sense laws and regulations, and now more than ever, states like Virginia are on the front lines of protecting our rights.
I’m running to continue this fight—standing up for your health, voting rights, safety, and the values that make our Commonwealth strong. I hope you’ll join me on the road to November.
Like all of my past races, I am taking this seriously. My sleeves are rolled up and I have already hit the ground running hiring staff, hosting a campaign kick off (RSVP if you haven't, March 31st!), and getting out to meet and hear from YOU!
CONTRIBUTE
HD58 Community Board
S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Pathway Program
The S.M.I.L.E. (Student Mentoring with Immersive Learning and Enrichment) Healthcare Pathway Program is a partnership between Henry Schein, Inc., the National Dental Association, and other professional associations to help mentor future healthcare professionals, enhance health literacy, expand diversity in the healthcare workforce and ultimately improve health and overall outcomes in underserved communities nationwide.
When and Where
The 2025 S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Pathway Program will take place in two locations:
June 28 – July 3 (Howard University – Washington, DC)
July 20 – 25 (Meharry Medical College – Nashville, TN)
This summer program introduces students to careers in oral health, including: dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, or dental office administrators.
Student Criteria
- Students Entering 11th grade in the 2025-2026 School Year
- Students who are interested in learning more about careers in dentistry or the healthcare community
- Required to stay overnight in double accomodations
APPLY BY APRIL 11TH
ReproRising Student Advocacy Fellowship
The Student Advocacy Fellowship is open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled at a Virginia public or private university. Two fellowship positions are open at each Virginia university and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled.
Fellows commit to 8 hours of work a week in the fall and spring semesters, and 2 – 4 hours a week over winter break. Fellows also receive a stipend per semester to compensate them for their work.
Applications for the the 2025 – 2026 cohort will open soon; nominate yourself or a student leader today!
READ MORE
Henrico Earth Day
Join us for Henrico’s Annual Earth Day Celebration!
April 19, 2025 at 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
This year, we’re expanding the event to offer even more outdoor fun and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Event Field (Cricket field at back of park):
Food Trucks: Purchase a delicious bite from Con Salsa, Kona Ice, and Blessed Meals on Wheels.
Live Music: Enjoy live tunes from Lauren Booth.
Local Vendors: Explore offerings from 40 local vendors.
Electric Cars: Check out the electric vehicles on display in the parking lot
Signed Trails: Hike or bike our beautiful park trails to visit both fields. Bring your own bicycle or demo one from Carytown Bikes.
Tree Tours: Join our Recreation and Parks arborist for a guided tree tour around the park.
Rock Wall: Come challenge your skills and see if you can make it to the top on the rock wall.
Activity Field (located near the pond):
Sensory Experience: Our Therapeutic Recreation team, in partnership with Jacob’s Chance, will offer a unique sensory experience on the multi-purpose field.
Outdoor Fitness: Get active with a fun outdoor fitness activity led by our fitness team.
Kayaking: RVA Paddle Sports returns for its third year to offer kayaking. First-timers are welcome—RVA Paddle Sport instructors will be there to help you get started!
Food Truck: And Gotacado will be serving up tasty food for purchase!
Don’t miss out on this exciting day of nature, fun, and learning at Deep Run Park.
For more information, please email us at REC-EventsTeam@henrico.gov.
Have an event or opportunity coming up that you would like to have highlighted in our newsletter? Send your information to caleigh@rodwillett.com!
